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Colonial Forge High School

Junior Handbook

Class of 2022

CONTENTS

What is Beyond High School?............................................................................................ ................................................2

Welcome to Naviance…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….3

Apprenticeships………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………4

Business, Technical and Trade Schools…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….6

Two Year College and Community Colleges…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….8

Four Year College and Universities……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………11

Choosing a College……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….12

College Admission Tests……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..15

College Athletics …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..17

What can I do this year to begin to get ready for college?........................................................................................18

Military Enlistment……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..20

Military Academies……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….21

Resume/Activities List…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………23

Terminology…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..24

Helpful Resources/Websites……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..25

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What is Beyond High School?

Most students will pursue education beyond high school. It will be required for most jobs in the

21st century and beyond.

This booklet contains information about your educational options after high school.

What are your choices?

Apprenticeships

Trade/Technical Schools

Two Year College and Community College

Military

4 year Colleges and Universities

The School Counseling team at Colonial Forge is here to support you in meeting your future goals. This

handbook is a collaboration of information from websites, counselors, handbooks and other resources

provided to assist you in this journey.

Elizabeth Dewar - A-Bro dewarem@staffordschools.net

Mia Morrison - Bru-E morrisonmm@staffordschools.net

Tisha Henderson - F-H hendersontl@staffordschools.net

Miranda Todd - I-McC toddml@staffordschools.net

Jacob Wolff - McD-P wolffjs@staffordschools.net

Camillia Smith - Q-S smithcj1@staffordschools.net

Becky Shay - T-Z shayrl@staffordschools.net

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Naviance

Colonial Forge High School uses Naviance, a web-based service designed especially for

students and parents. Naviance is a comprehensive website that you can use to help in

making decisions about colleges and careers. It will allow you to:

Get involved in the planning and advising process - Build a resume, complete on-line

surveys, and manage timelines and deadlines for making decisions about colleges and

careers

Use a college search engine

Complete a career assessment if you need help figuring out what you might want to

do after high school

Send college transcripts as a senior

Find information for local scholarships

Request teacher recommendations for college

Access Your Account:

1. Go to your student email account.

2. Click on the waffle in the top right hand corner.

3. Scroll down until you see the Naviance Icon.

4. Click on it – and you will be logged in!

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Apprenticeships

An Apprenticeship is an employer’s training program. It

is a time-honored program combining on-the-job training

(OJT) with related instruction (RI). The result is a skilled

craftsperson. When you complete both on-the-job training

and the related instruction, you become a registered

apprentice. Registered apprentices completing a full

program receive a State Apprenticeship Certificate upon

completion. This certificate is nationally recognized.

Over 300 employers sponsor more than 1,200

apprentices in Northern Virginia each year.

Apprenticeship Terms/Definitions

Apprentice: Person 16 years or older, learning a trade

with on-the-job training and related instruction in

accordance with state and federal apprenticeship

standards.

Apprenticeship: A certified, structured, well defined

program of training that combines supervised on-the-job

training skills with related instruction training in the

classroom.

Apprenticeship Agreement: Voluntarily signed document

between employer (sponsor) and the apprentice that

establishes their commitment and responsibilities.

Certification Card: Wallet-size identification card issued

by Virginia Department of Labor and Industry

(VADOLI), certifying that you are a registered

apprentice.

Licensing: Upon completion of the apprenticeship program, the apprentice will receive an

application at graduation or in the mail to take the exam.

Program Sponsor/Sponsor: A ―registered program sponsor is an individual employer,

association, or joint apprenticeship committee with a Virginia address who has adopted Virginia

Apprenticeship Standards with Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (VDADOLI). There

must also be a structured, registered OJT training program including specific work assignments,

wage scales, and the requirement to attend RI classes.

Virginia Apprenticeships: Asphalt Technician Electrician Plumber Cosmetologist HVAC Mechanic, Maintenance Electrician, Maintenance Pipe Fitter, Construction Optician, Dispensing II Machinist Sheet Metal Worker Electronics Mechanic Barber Electronics Technician Pipe Fitter, Ship Machinist, Outside Ship fitter Carpenter Refrigeration Mechanic Electrician, Ship and Boat Teacher Aid Rigger, Marine Bricklayer Drafter, Marine Line Erector Millwright

Structural-Steel Worker Diesel Mechanic Maint. Repair, Building Surveyor (Party Chief) Pipe Cover and Insulator Youth Devel. Practitioner Land Surveyor Wastewater-Treatment Operator Operating Engineer Roofer Ironworker Painter, Shipyard Automobile Mechanic Direct Support Specialist Secretary Masonry Database Specialist Network Support Specialist

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Registered Apprentice: A person is a registered apprentice only if he/she has signed an

apprenticeship agreement with a registered program sponsor who is his/her employer and has

been certified by VADOLI.

Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (VADOLI): Agency responsible for supervision and

certification of OJT, registering apprentices, certifying and registering employers, and issuing

state certificates. http://www.doli.virginia.gov/apprenticeship/sponsors_occupations.html

Apprenticeship Information in the Washington, D.C. Area:

Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training

200 Constitution Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20001

202-698-5099

Virginia Community College System - Germanna Community College has programs! www.vccs.edu/

Construction Workforce Development Coalition www.futureforcenow.com

Procedure for Enrollment

Complete enrollment form. Call the Apprenticeship Office at 703-227-2300 if you have questions.

Attach copies of proof of State Apprenticeship Registration.

Include appropriate payment (Make checks payable to FCPS Adult Education.) or complete credit card information.

Choose method to register:

Mail: Apprenticeship Office

Office of Adult and Community Education

5775 Spindle Court,

Centreville, VA 20121

Fax: 703-277-2327 or 703-449-1537 (credit card payment or company purchase

order only)

Phone: 703-227-2377 (credit card payment only)

Fax or mail proof of apprenticeship registration to Apprenticeship Office.

Walk In: Bring the complete form to the adult center that is most convenient to you.

Scholarship opportunities can cover BOTH the adult high school tuition and the apprenticeship

classes for the period of time you are enrolled – if you qualify.

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Business, Technical & Trade Schools

Students who are considering one of these post-secondary schools should use as much care in

making decisions as students applying to four year colleges. Some of the things you should

think about are:

Exactly what skill or training are you seeking?

How long do you think this education will take?

Are you willing to leave your local area to attend this school?

How will you finance this education? (Most vocational schools are eligible for the same kind of

financial aid plans available to four year colleges, like the FAFSA).

Are you sure the schools that interest you are accredited? This is important!

Have you checked on admission requirements?

Does the school have a placement service with a good history of employment?

What career are you envisioning this training will lead to?

Here are some examples of career programs that are offered at these schools:

Esthetics/skin care Welding

Massage Therapy Travel Agent

Medical Assistant Vet Tech

Electronic Health Information Technician Cosmetology

Information Technologies Child Care

Nail Technician Pharmacy Technician

Nurse Aide Real Estate

Phlebotomy Pet Grooming

Tattoo Artist Welding/Shipbuilding

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Virginia Business, Technology and Trade Schools

The Apprentice School - https://www.as.edu/ Offers a variety of trade programs related to

shipbuilding, including electrician, HVAC, welding, and machinist amount others. All accepted

students pay no fees and are paid for their work during their apprenticeship.

ATI (Advanced Technology Institute) www.auto.edu Based in Virginia Beach, ATI offers

degree and diploma programs in automotive, diesel/ heavy vehicle technology, HVAC (Heating,

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Program)

Culpeper Cosmetology Training Center www.culpepercosmetology.com Students in the

Cosmetology Program are taught the basic foundation of cosmetology with courses in anatomy,

sculpting and cutting, shampooing, grooming tools, sanitation and hygiene, as well as advanced

courses such as hair texture, color, skin care, and nail care.

Eastern Virginia Career College (EVCC) www.evcc.edu Located in Fredericksburg, EVCC

provides certificate programs in Practical Nurse Education, Medical Assistant, Health

Information Technician, Medical Massage Therapy, Esthetics/Master Esthetics, Nurse Aide,

Medication Aide, Nail and Wax Technicians.

Full Sail www.fullsail.com : Full Sail offers Associate’s Degrees for creative minds include

Computer Animation, Digital Arts & Design, Entertainment Business, Film, Game

Development, Recording Arts, and Show Production & Touring.

Graham Webb Academy https://grahamwebbacademy.edu/ : Offers programs for students of

cosmetology and aesthetics, and additional classes in cosmetics.

Spotsylvania Career and Technical Center https://www.spotsylvania.k12.va.us/spotsylvaniactc : Affiliated with Spotsylvania County

schools, this center offers adult courses in Plumbing, Electricity, HVAC, and Cosmetology.

Strayer University www.strayer.edu : Many local campuses offer programs in computer

information systems, marketing, economics, contract management, accounting, and more!

Virginia Beach Technical and Career Education Center https://techcenter.vbschools.com :

Affiliated with Virginia Beach public schools the center offers a large variety of programs.

Virginia Technical Institute http://www.govti.org : Located near Roanoke, VTI offers courses

in Carpentry, Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, and Welding as well as assisting students in finding

apprenticeships.

Wyotech www.wyotech.edu : Wyotech provides programs in automotive technology and

collision, motorcycle and marine technology, Residential HVAC, plumbing and electricity.

For a conclusive list, check out www.rwm.org, which provides a directory of

trade/technical and business schools by state and by area of interest.

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Junior Colleges and Community Colleges

Junior colleges and community colleges are institutions that provide a variety of opportunities

for students who want additional education beyond high school, including career training and

trade education. Students may enroll in certificate programs that offer specialized training and

instruction; Associate degree programs that can lead to a two year degree; or a transfer option

(general studies diploma) to transfer to a four-year institution. Students with a certificate will be

eligible for specific jobs. Those who have earned Associate's Degrees will be eligible for

immediate employment. Or, community college can be a stepping stone that leads to a four-year

degree.

Both community colleges, such as NOVA or Germanna, and junior colleges, such as Richard

Bland, are great options for students who either do not know what they want to study in college

yet, or cannot afford to go right into a four-year college. They are also good for students who do

not want to attend a traditional four-year college and instead want to focus on career training.

Admission Information:

Open admissions policy—high school diploma or equivalent is accepted

No minimum grade point average

SATs and ACTs are not required

Placement tests are given at the time of enrollment (The results of the tests determine the

appropriate level of courses a student should take)

Transfer Programs:

Includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional

programs

Meets standards acceptable for transfer to four-year colleges - However, the student is

responsible for determining which credits will transfer to the receiving institution

Program completion results in an Associate degree

Advantages of attending community colleges:

Lower tuition fees

No expense for room and board

Flexibility to pursue education while employed

Opportunity to use the two years at community college to improve chances of getting into

a more selective four-year college

GUARANTEED ADMISSION PROGRAM to four-year colleges

o https://www.germanna.edu/transfer-services/guaranteed-admission-agreements/

Local Community Colleges:

Germanna - www.germanna.edu

Northern Virginia Community College - www.nvcc.edu

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Many pathways and programs are available and above is a partial listing.

Stafford campus is now open located at 124 Old Potomac Church Road, Stafford

VA

Fredericksburg Center for Advanced Technology (FredCAT) offers training

programs to fill local skills gap that lead to employment.

3-D Printing Commercial Equipment Repair

Programmable Logic Controls Fiber Optic Cable Technician

Computer Numeric Controls Mechatronics

Pneumatics and Hydraulics Lean Six Sigma

Drone Building and UAV Pilot Certification OSHA

Small Engine Repair

Project Management Professional

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Four Year College & Universities

Four year institutions can be public or private and upon completion, students earn a Bachelor’s

degree. There is usually a minimum 4 year program and students may also plan to continue their

education at the graduate level.

What do colleges look for?

No single factor determines acceptance or rejection from a college. Some colleges do consider

only grades and test scores, but most consider interests, accomplishments, and future goals. On

the other hand, poor grades and weak course selections will not impress an admissions officer,

regardless of extracurricular activities. This is especially true if you hope to be admitted to a

selective college. For selective colleges, you need to take the most demanding courses offered

by the school and maintain a high scholastic average. It also helps to be involved with the school

and surrounding community, too.

Four steps to college planning:

1. Understand admission factors: look at your grades, curriculum, test scores,

extracurricular activities, and what the school typically accepts for admission.

Additionally, colleges may consider recommendations, essays, an interview, intended

major, or special circumstances, such as legacy/overcoming an obstacle in the admissions

process.

2. Explore college options: consider size of school, diversity, location, campus life,

financial aid, academic programs, etc. The college search tool offered by College Board

is a great resource!

3. Learn about admission requirements, like standardized test requirements, for the schools

to which you are applying. The SAT/ACT is generally recommended in the spring of the

junior year. Determine if any SAT subject tests are suggested or required for schools.

Take a prep course if needed. Also, feel free/encouraged to take the test more than once!

4. Narrow college choices to 3-5 schools: we recommend one “dream” school, 2-3 overall

good matches, and at least one “safety” school to which you will most likely be accepted.

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CHOOSING A COLLEGE

With thousands of colleges and universities from which to choose, your task can be challenging.

However, if you take the time to think about some of the following considerations, the decision

will be easier. It’s not about finding the “best” school, but rather the “best school for YOU.”

Researching the Institutions Now for the exciting part of this process: researching and selecting an institution that offers you

the best opportunity to achieve your goals. The experience is made more manageable if you use

the resources available.

College Fairs In the fall and spring, many schools and organizations sponsor College Fairs. If you attend these

fairs with your parents, you’ll learn more about educational and career opportunities after high

school. You also will have the opportunity to meet with admission representatives. Traditionally,

there is one at Spotsylvania Towne Center in the fall.

Visiting with College Representatives at Forge

Each year, colleges send representatives to Colonial Forge High School to talk with prospective

students. The majority of these visits occur during first semester and in late spring.

The representative provides current, accurate information about the institution and the admission

policies. He or she also is another contact for you with the admission office. The representative

with whom you speak at Forge may be the same one who will process your application and

participate in your admission decision. The schedule of college visits appears on our website.

Academic Environment

When assessing the academic environment of the college or university, ask yourself the

following questions:

Will this college likely admit me?

Have I satisfied the course/other academic requirements of the college?

Are my test scores in the appropriate range for this school?

Are the standards appropriate for my abilities and interests?

What courses are required of all freshmen?

What are the typical class sizes both for first year students and upper class students?

What is the availability of counseling or tutorial programs in the event that I experience

academic difficulty?

Where do graduates of this college attend graduate school?

What kinds of professions and careers do they enter after graduation?

Majors Most students change their majors at least once during their college careers. Some courses of

study are not available at the high school level and other fields that seem unappealing to you now

may become much more exciting as you become more involved.

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However, you probably have a general idea of at least two or three areas that interest you, and

you may want to consider how strong those departments are at the colleges you are considering.

Also of concern is the library and laboratory facilities or other special equipment required by

your area of interest.

Geographic Location For some students, attending a college close to home is a priority while others choose to be far

away. Perhaps as important as the distance from home is the type of college community.

Do you yearn for a peaceful academic environment in a small intellectual town?

Do you prefer the stimulation and excitement of a large urban campus?

Is there a particular part of the country where you have always wanted to live?

Do you prefer a location where you have relatives or close friends nearby?

If coming home for the holidays and long weekends is important, are distance,

transportation costs, and availability prohibitive?

Student Life Explore the atmosphere on the campus you are considering.

Is it liberal, conservative, homogeneous, or diverse?

Do the students appear friendly and enthusiastic about their school?

Can you observe how students and faculty relate to each other?

Are you satisfied with the recreational facilities and social activities offered?

Are sports facilities adequate to meet your interests?

Are there sororities and fraternities, and if so, what part do they play in the social life on

campus?

Does the campus “clear out” on weekends?

Are there special interest groups in areas that interest you?

Are activities like the newspaper, debate, or the ceramic shop available to all students or

just to those majoring in related areas?

Can you find opportunities for political expression?

Is the college affiliated with a religion, and if so, how strongly?

Can you attend religious services of your preference easily?

What type of academic advice is available? Some schools have a faculty advisement

system. At others, the student must find a faculty mentor.

Remember, the college search tool on the College Board website is a great resource, too! It uses

process of elimination to help narrow down your “best fit” colleges based on criteria you set.

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Size of Campus

A large school (15,000 – 50,000) may offer a variety of academic opportunities

including elaborate facilities and large libraries, as well as the stimulation of a large

faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates. However, housing may be more difficult

to obtain, more courses may be taught by graduate students, lecture sessions may be very

large, and opportunities for leadership in campus organizations may be diminished.

A medium-sized school (5,000 – 15,000) may offer fewer majors and more modest

facilities than a large school, but may offer greater opportunities to participate in

activities of your choice and to be integrated into a compatible crowd.

A small school (fewer than 5,000) usually offers more personal classes, earlier

opportunities to take classes with well-known professors, and more chances for

leadership in campus activities. However, facilities may be limited and options for

activities and diversity reduced.

Affordability Calculate what it costs to attend your selected college for a year. Also calculate your college

costs on a four-year basis. Identify the ways to pay for these costs. Examine the college’s track

record for providing scholarships, loans, and other financial assistance.

Housing, food, books, and the cost of participating in extracurricular activities are part of the

college expense as well. Also calculate the cost of travel to and from home.

If the college offers scholarships, grants, loans, or employment programs that can assist you in

financing your education, learn the application deadlines and which programs are available to

freshmen. Ask if the college assists with finding part-time work on campus or locally.

Housing and Dining Options Some college students prefer the independence of having an apartment and being self-sufficient.

For others, a large coed residence hall with 100 students on each floor sounds like an ideal way

to make new friends. Still, others may prefer a smaller single-sex residence hall with the chance

to get to know a few people well. All of these options exist, many on the same campus.

College is probably your first real opportunity to be “on your own” with more responsibility for

your actions than you may have had in high school. College can provide a wonderful transition

to independent adult living, so use the housing options available to make that transition in the

best way for you.

Making a Final List Once you have researched and obtained answers to your questions about the schools that interest

you, your next step is choosing a college:

Summarize what you want from your college experience.

List the colleges which meet your criteria including all the items on your summary as

well as admission standards, geographic location, and affordability.

Organize your list according to the colleges you most want to attend and the ones that are

most likely to accept you.

Prepare to apply online. Remember: apply only to colleges you would gladly attend if

accepted.

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College Admission Tests

SAT vs. ACT

Should you take the SAT or the ACT, or both? This is a common dilemma for many high school

students. Talk to your college or university to see if there is a preference but many will take

either and some are test optional.

Most schools do not have a preference.

Many Ivy League schools require SAT.

SAT subject tests may be required for placement or for admission.

Students can take both exams. The chart below shows how they differ.

Most schools will “super score,” meaning they will take the highest combination of your

scores.

You are not likely to see a dramatic increase/decrease in scores after taking test 2-3 times.

Students with disabilities can apply for testing accommodations. See your case manager.

Fee waivers are available for some students, see your counselor if you think you qualify.

SAT ACT

Test Structure Two-section exam + optional essay:

Reading/Grammar & Math

Four-section exam +optional essay:

English, Math, Reading, and Science

Reasoning

Test Content Math: Algebra, Data Analysis,

Trigonometry, Algebra II; formulas

provided

Reading: Comprehension, grammar,

word choice

Math: Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II,

Trigonometry, no formulas provided

Science: Analysis, interpretation,

evaluation, problem solving

Reading: Comprehension

English: Stresses grammar

Essay Optional Optional

Penalty for wrong answers No No

How is test scored 200-800 each section 1-36, average of sections

Score choice Yes Yes

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2020-21 Test Dates

SAT register at www.collegeboard.org

ACT register at www.actstudent.org

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Information for Potential College Bound Student Athletes

Plan now to ensure you will be eligible!

In order to be eligible to compete in NCAA sports during your first year of

college…

Division I: You must earn at least a 2.3 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in your core courses.

Division II: You must earn at least a 2.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in your core courses.

Junior Year

Continue to take college preparatory courses in English, Math, Science,

Social Studies and World Language.

Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and complete academic and the

amateurism information. www.eligibilitycenter.org

Register for SAT and/or ACT in the spring. Use code 9999 to have the

score sent to the Eligibility Center.

At the end of your junior year, send a complete transcript to the Eligibility

Center.

Senior Year

Continue to take college preparatory courses in English, Math, Science,

Social Studies and World Language.

Register for SAT and/or ACT. Use code 9999 to have the score sent to the

Eligibility Center.

On or after April 1 of the senior year, update your information in the

Eligibility Center.

Send final transcript to the Eligibility Center.

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What can I do this year to begin to get ready for college?

Familiarize yourself with admissions options:

o Early Decision, Early Action, Rolling Admission, Regular Admission, Open

Admission

Use Naviance and/or College Board to search for colleges and continue career

investigation.

Narrow list to schools of interest to reasonable number (3-5).

Go on some campus visits to schools you’re interested in.

Attend the College Fair in the fall.

Attend a financial aid workshop offered by the college.

Take your SAT and/or ACT tests.

Attend College Planning Night in the spring.

Talk to friends or siblings in college to get their perspective.

Meet with your counselor to choose your senior year classes (spring).

College applications usually come online sometime in early to late August - most schools

prefer or only accept online applications.

The Common Application is accepted by many institutions and can save you from doing

multiple applications. For more information, go to the website: www.commonapp.org

Students can begin to fill in the identifying information and save the application for

completion at a later date.

Most schools require/request some form of writing (essay or personal statement) as part

of the application. Students can begin to compose their rough draft once the applications

are available. Senior English classes will work on essays as assignments as well.

Create a list of extracurricular activities or a resume of your involvement in community

and/or school activities. This should highlight any leadership positions you have held.

There is an example form to use in this packet on page 19. It is a good idea to have this

information available as you will need this for teachers and your counselor your senior

year.

Start thinking about who you will ask to write you a letter of recommendation. The

Counseling Center provides a form that can be used to give teachers information about

yourself for writing these letters. These forms are required if you would like your

counselor to write a letter of recommendation. It is called a “Brag sheet” and it is located

on our website.

Many schools have a Secondary School Report, sometimes called a Counselor Report, as

part of the application. Identify which schools you’re applying to require this. VMI is a

great example of a school that does. In the fall, you will learn how to request a transcript

and have this sent with the Secondary School Report.

Finally, make a plan A, B, and maybe even a plan C. Your first plan might not work out

the way you think, and it is always good to have an alternate plan in your back pocket

just in case things change.

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How do I know when I should apply to college?

By visiting colleges, you will be able to narrow down the number of schools to which you will

apply. Application fees can add up, so you don’t want to apply to too many schools.

The application process typically begins in the fall, and early applications become available.

Here are all the following ways college admissions deadlines will work:

(They all vary based on the college, so pay attention to each school’s deadlines!)

Early decision: Applications are due in early November or December of your senior year. It is

a competitive applicant pool and you should be a strong candidate. This decision is binding on

both parties (college and student). The college will either accept, defer (to regular decision) or

deny your application. You can only apply to one school early decision. This is for when you

have only one single top choice school and can make the finances work regardless of what kind

of financial aid package you get.*

Early action: Applications are due between October and December of your senior year. If the

college offers you admittance, it is bound to take you, but you are not bound to attend. You can

apply to several early action schools and then decide which one to attend. You find out your

admissions decisions usually by the New Year.*

Regular decision: Students apply by the date determined by the college, which can range from

December to March. Your application and all supplementary materials are due at that date and a

decision typically comes a few months later. *(This is also true for early action, that all materials

are due by the deadline).

Rolling admissions: Students may apply at any time within the deadline of the school.

Decisions are generally made a few weeks after all materials have been submitted.

Open admissions: School will accept any student who applies. An example would be

Germanna, where you just have to apply online and submit a transcript.

Your list of schools to apply to should range from 3-5, though you can

apply to more if you’d like. Along with your dream school, make sure

you choose a safety school, meaning one that you meet and exceed

their admission standards. This should be done during your Junior

year in order to be ready with your list in early fall of your senior year

to start the applications.

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Military Enlistment

Opportunities for enlistment in the military are plentiful. The five services offer over hundreds of schools

and thousands of courses of instruction. This training, and the experience that follows, give the military

veteran a real advantage in the civilian world. Enlisting in military service right after high school might be

your best option. The U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard provide job training in

many fields, as well as opportunities for enlistees to take some college-level courses. The services can

also help you to build a college fund. The National Guard consists of two components: the Army

National Guard (ARNG) and the Air National Guard (ANG). It is obligated to serve the state in times of

natural disasters or civil disturbances, and the nation in time of war. Flexible scheduling makes it

possible for you to combine service in the National Guard with work or school. The Guard meets one

weekend per month and two weeks in the summer. The National Guard also offers educational

benefits. If you are considering military enlistment, you will need information on the specific

services. Each service sets its own enlistment qualification requirements.

Forge recruiter information is listed below if available or you can visit their websites regarding

qualifications and program opportunities. They are also available during lunch shifts periodically.

List of Military Contacts List of Military Contacts List of Military Contacts

www.army.mil - Army

Sgt. McNamara

443-306-5137

www.navy.mil - Navy

CPO Palmer

540-333-2042

www.af.mil - Air Force

TSGT Davis

703-200-8148

www.marines.com - Marine Corps

SSGT Breen

571-309-7484

www.uscg.mil - Coast Guard

IT2 Brandy Jakakas

202-738-7147

www.nationalguard.com -

National Guard

SSG Hopkins 434-962-7253

For additional information see the Forge Counseling website, as well as the Military Career Guide at:

www.militarycareers.com

Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)

The ROTC program provides the opportunity to attend a civilian college while studying military

leadership as part of a total undergraduate program. ROTC is a college elective that requires about four

hours a week. It is offered at hundreds of campuses. The program is divided into two parts: the basic

course and the advanced course. The basic course is normally attended during the first two years of

college with no military commitment. After completing this course, selected students may enroll in the

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advanced course. Enrollment in the advanced course incurs a military obligation. Applications are

available upon request from college ROTC units or on the websites.

Service Academies

The United States maintains five service academies: the United States Military Academy at West

Point, New York; the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland: the United States Air

Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado; the United States Coast Guard Academy at New

London, Connecticut; and the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York.

The mission of the service academies is to provide the instruction and experience necessary to

produce graduates with knowledge, character, and leadership abilities to become career military

officers.

Students interested in attending a service academy should begin research/planning as early as the

spring of their junior year.

Service Academy Admissions Process

1. Determine if you meet the requirements and qualifications. Each candidate must:

Be 17 but not yet 22.

Be a U.S. citizen at the time of enrollment.

Be unmarried with no dependents.

Have an above average high school record.

Have strong scores on the SAT or ACT.

Be in good physical health.

Have above average strength, endurance, and agility.

2. Apply for a nomination. As a minimum you should apply to your two United States senators, your

congressional representative, and the Vice President. Some members of Congress will not accept

applications for nominations after a specific date. You should request a nomination as soon as

possible. In addition to the letter, the nomination process may include a questionnaire or interview.

3. Start a file at the Academy. Send a letter to the admissions office requesting a pre-candidate

questionnaire. The Academy will open a file for you upon receipt of the completed questionnaire.

4. Fill out the Academy forms. These forms will be sent to you after an evaluation of your pre-

candidate questionnaire.

5. Take the SAT or ACT. Send your scores to the academies to which you are applying.

6. Pass the medical exam from the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board

(DOD MERB) and the Physical Aptitude Exam (PAE).

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7. Receive notification of the evaluation and status of your application. This may arrive as early as

November for outstanding candidates; final decisions are made in April.

Service Academy Addresses

Service Academy Addresses Service Academy Addresses

U.S. Air Force Academy

Cadet Admissions Office

Colorado Springs, CO 80840-5651

800-443-9266

www.usafa.edu

U.S. Coast Guard Academy

Director of Admissions

New London, CT 06320-4195

860-444-8500

www.cga.edu

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

300 Steamboat Road

Kings Point, NY 11024-1699

516-773-5391/866-546-4778

www.usmma.edu

U.S. Naval Academy

117 Decatur Road

Annapolis, MD 21402-5018

410-293-4361

www.usna.edu

U.S. Military Academy of West Point

Director of Admissions

West Point, NY 10996-1797

845-938-4041

www.usma.edu

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Colonial Forge Eagles ACTIVITY RECORD

(for help in your planning for your senior brag sheet)

Grade

Year

School, Community, Summer Activities

Hours/Week

Week/Year

Offices Held, Honors Won

9

10

11

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COLLEGE TERMINOLOGY

Academic Common Market: cooperative agreement among fourteen southern states that waives

out-of-state tuition to students wishing to pursue programs of study not available in their state

Associate Degree: degree awarded after completion of a two-year college program of study

Bachelor’s Degree: degree awarded after completion of a four or five-year college program study

Common Application Form: application form, accepted by approximately 100 colleges, designed to

ease the workload of students and high school Student Services Department.

Concurrent Enrollment: a plan that allows students to take courses at nearby colleges while

completing high school

Deferred Admission: Deferred admission is a plan which permits a student, once accepted, to

postpone matriculation for one year in order to pursue other plans.

Deferred Decision: The college or university determines that more information is needed to make a

final decision about a candidate’s application. Often the decision is delayed until quarter grades

and/or new test scores are received.

Early Action: Early action is a plan that invites early application but does not require the student to

attend if accepted. Application deadline is usually in early November through December. Preferred

date may be in October. Students may apply to as many ―EA schools as they wish.

Early Decision: Early decision, a plan offered by a select number of colleges, allows a student to

apply between October and mid-January (generally) for an early determination of admissibility.

Strong academic students, who are sure where they want to go to college, may apply to their

preferred school early. If accepted, the student is obligated to attend. The student may submit other

applications during this period, but only one can be early decision. If accepted through the early

decision program, the student must withdraw all other applications.

Open Admissions: a college admissions policy that grants acceptance to all high school graduates

without regard to additional qualifications

Private College: an academic institution financed primarily by tuition and endowments.

Public College: an academic institution financed primarily by tuition, endowments, and state or

local taxes.

Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC): two, three, or four-year college based military training

program leading to an officer commission upon graduation.

Rolling Admissions: the college will notify the applicant as soon as the application has been

processed and the file is complete. It is to the student’s advantage to apply early.

Semester System: academic school calendar is divided into two parts.

Terminal Program: program preparing students for immediate employment following a course of

study. It is available in many two-year and vocational schools and results in an Associate’s degree or

certificate of completion.

Transfer Program: a two-year program that results in an Associate’s degree and is designed for

students who intend to continue their studies at a four year college

Trimester Program: division of the academic year into three units. It is sometimes called the

quarter system.

Waitlist: a list maintained by selective schools containing the names of students predicted to

succeed at the institution but not accepted until those accepted outright decide whether or not they

will attend. If space remains available, the school contacts students “waitlisted” generally between

May 1 and Aug 1.

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Resources & Websites

Career

www.vawizard.org

www.mynextmove.org

www.driveofyourlife.org

www.mappingyourfuture.org/planyourcareer

www.Todaysmilitary.com

www.usajobs.gov

www.virginia.gov

www.vaview.org

College/Financial Aid

www.Fastweb.com

www.bigfuture.collegeboard.org –College Matchmaker: search colleges by name, major,

location, size, degree, etc.

www.ncaa.org (college sports)

www.fafsa.gov (financial aid)

www.parchment.com

www.offtocollege.com

www.ecampustours.com

www.finaid.org

www.princetonreview.com

https://www.ecmc.org/students/opportunities-guide-workbook.html

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Test Prep

www.khanacademy.org SAT, AP, ACT and other test prep

www.ets.org

www.vawizard.org

Scholarships

www.fastweb.com

www.scholarships.com

www.collegeanswer.com

Naviance (by way of your student email)